Leeds PDRL player loses cancer battle

A Leeds Rhinos PDRL player has sadly died at the age of 23 after losing his battle with cancer.

James Addyman was part of the inaugural Rhinos side that launched in 2018, just six months after he lost his arm and shoulder as a result of an aggressive bone cancer.

Addyman was named a Community Hero for his work for charity, which included him abseiling down the side of a Newcastle hotel to raise funds for the Teenage Cancer Trust, who were supporting him through his treatment.

The club has also announced they will be retiring his shirt, as a result of this sad news. We send our condolences to his teammates, family and friends.

Phil Caplan, Chairman of Leeds Rhinos Foundation said on the website: “James was a wonderful player and ambassador, who epitomised everything that was best about PDRL. Admired by all who had the privilege of watching him score some sensational tries, he was an absolute inspiration to his team-mates who loved having him around the dressing room.”